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African Style
In The Spirit of Sankofa
There really is no complicated formula to achieving African Style. As 2008 begin allow your creativity to take hold. Think of new and innovative ways of bringing African art into your life.
The finials on this curtain rail has been made in the shape of the Sankofa sign, which means "Go back to fetch it".
What a lovely way of incorporating something symbolic, spiritual, cultural and meaningful into your surroundings. It serves as a permanent reminder that we should all learn from our past. If we have to go back, only fetch what we need and move forward into the future.
Spruce up your home with Kuba cloth.
One of the best ways to add a touch of individuality to your walls is to have a piece of your favourite Kuba cloth professionally framed.
If you have the space a long panel of kuba cloth running horizontally along a wall on a simple mount looks stunning.
Alternatively, long lengths of Kuba cloth hanging vertically along walls or used as door panels looks just as effective.
We have chosen to use long lengths of Kuba cloths as throws along the bottom of our bed.
Kuba cloths look great as cushions. Use them with contrasting or matching fabric such as linen and raw... MORE >>
African chic
A picture of a stylish room courtesy of Sirpa (Germany).
African chic
African inspired living.
Courtsey of Sirpa in Germany.
Create an African oasis in your Garden
Bring the indoors, outdoors by creating your own tropical oasis in your garden. Use large sculptural African pieces and African-inspired furniture and accessories, such as cushions and textiles to complement tropical plants, flowers and foliage. Here's how:
Flooring - choose your flooring such as decking, gravel, grass or paving, all can look equally good. But, if you are looking to splash out and lay new decking, choose a hardwood like Iroko, which is made in Africa and looks stunning when laid.
Plants - This is the challenging bit, choosing plants and flowers that make you... MORE >>
What is African Style?
What is African Style? I hear you ask. I can only answer this from a personal point of view of what it means to me. To me African Style allows for your own personal interpretations and it is something that is affordable whatever your budget. You can have as much or as little as you like of African Style. You can contain it in a small space, use it as decorative accent or it can be reflected throughout your home.
I take my inspiration from the incredibly beautiful art and design that is created by African artisans from Africa and its diaspora. I then integrate this into my surroundings, ... MORE >>
What a difference a door makes....
These beautiful Dogon doors are not just for opening and closing. Be inspired by them. They are truly beautiful. The carving is equisite and each detailed carving has a meaning.
Be inspired and let your imagination run wild:
*Make an impact, replace one of your interior doors in your home with a Dogon.
*Be the envy of your friends, transform it into a sculptural masterpiece by having it mounted on it's own custom made stand.
*Use two joined together has a headboard for your bed.
*Find a good joiner and use it as a dining table with a glass top. This woul... MORE >>
What a difference a door makes.....
Dogon Door
Replace one of the internal doors in your home with a Dogon Door. If you have an old house, the door to the cellar would be an ideal door to replace with the Dogon, as this door is normally kept closed. An ideal position to show off the beautiful craftmanship and striking design of this door.
Cushions
Brighten up your sofas and pile on the African style with these beautiful range of cushions. Placing a few cushions in different locations around the home is one way of bringing a little bit of Africa into your home.
Zulu Hats
Dare to be different? Keep way in front by piling on the style with these gorgeous Zulu hats. They look stunning as interior decor items.
They look particulary attractive in multiples of three in different colours on a small table or pedestal in the hallway.
Hang them on the wall (see pics of Zulu ladies), horizontally or vertically. From afar they look like large polka dots.
"Ekabo" (Welcome)
Do you have a large area in your home, office, hotel, venue or reception that needs attention? Then this Nafana Mask is for you.
Place these striking and colourful Nafana masks in your reception area to create a warm welcome for your guests/customers and watch them keep coming back.
(Ekabo - Yoruba greeting, meaning welcome)
The Living Room
African art and design trancends interior fads. Add personal pieces that you like alongside contemporary or traditional decor. It is important to create a home or space where you and your guests can feel comfortable and relaxed.
Something Unusual
For a striking statement, transform the corner of a room with a piece of African sculpture.
BAGA SNAKE
long and sinuous, undulating and sexy.
Decor Tips
It's that time of year when our thoughts turn to sprucing up our homes. We all need to change up our homes on occasions. A house that remains the same can begin to look a little stale. So, here are a few ideas to liven it up a bit:
* Move around your furniture;
* Swap around the uses of your rooms;
* Change the look of your space by covering MDF panels with African inspired fabrics such as Kuba, or Bogolan and hang them on your walls. It's a cheap and effective way of bringing colour into a room.
A Promise of happiness
You must have gathered by now that we are great admirers of African art. It makes us happy. But, do you know why you are attracted to African art? And does it really matter? Here are some reasons as to why it may attract you:
*They are aesthetically appealing;
*Their power and mystery;
*The skilful craftsmanship and artistic mastery;
*Their traditional, ancestral, spiritual and religious connection;
*It makes you happy;
*It stirs your soul;
*They help you to have a better understanding of the peoples of Africa;
*To help preserve art o... MORE >>
